Chronicle chief reporter JACK TOLSON has taken a look through the archives to see what was making the news in Barnsley in June 2008.

HAULIERS STRUGGLE TO KEEP UP WITH SOARING FUEL COSTS

HAULAGE firms in Barnsley are struggling to keep up with crippling fuel costs amid concerns that businesses will be brought to a standstill.

The average price of diesel around the borough this week was about 127 pence per litre but some filling stations were charging 128.9p.

Firms have warned that if haulage firms can’t operate the country would come to a standstill within days.

MP for Barnsley West and Penistone Mick Clapham has got involved in the crisis saying that he would be willing to meet haulage bosses and write to the Prime Minister.

He said: “It is a big issue.

“Every job in Barnsley is precious to the community and we don’t want to see any haulage operator go to the wall because of fuel prices.

“To this end I think there should be some concession given to essential users like haulage companies to help with their fuel costs or look at a reduction in their road licence.”

TALL TREES UNPOPULAR WITH STEVE

THE 60ft tall trees in Stephen Chappell’s back garden are so overgrown they have damaged gardens, greenhouses and a trampoline.

And his next door neighbour has swapped bedrooms because he is scared the branches will smash through the window in bad weather.

Despite all this and calls for help, Stephen says the authority won’t lop them and that it suggested he pays for the work.

Once a week Stephen, of Athersley, collected the branches, twigs and leaves that have fallen and loads them into his car to dispose of them at work.

He said: “For seven years I have tried to get them topped and this year instead of writing letter I phoned my councillor and all they can say is it is being dealt with.

“A man came out once and said they could cut it down but it wouldn’t be a priority and that was four years ago.”

BANDS BATTLE IN CONTEST

BARNSLEY groups The Paradigms and The Jives went head-to-head in the regional final of the Carling Battle of the Bands at Lucorum.

The lads knocked out 13 bands last night to make the event a musical triumph for Barnsley no matter what the result.

Matt Poxon said The Jives need to take away the prize money so they can buy themselves out of a record deal.

“We don’t normally like competitions,” he said.

“I think if you want to compete you shouldn’t be in a band, you should do something like shot-putting.”

Paradigms member George hopes the contest will boost the group’s profile and the £2,000 would make it possible for them to play gigs across the country.

He said: “We’d like to play bigger venues.”